To make the adjustment as smooth as possible, here are our top tips for using crutches at school.

1. Talk to Your School Nurse

A lot of schools offer some type of “early release pass” for students on crutches. This means you get to leave class five minutes early (woo hoo!) so you can navigate the halls to your next class before they get super crowded.

If your school doesn’t let you out of class early, being on crutches in a great excuse for showing up to class late. (Results may vary).

2. Get a Desk at the End of the Row

Preferably, one by the door. This just makes getting in and out of class a little easier. Plus if you get to leave early, you can do so without disturbing the whole class.

3. Use Your Backpack to Carry Books

A lot of schools don’t let students bring their backpacks into the classroom, which really is a legitimate safety precaution (because school shootings). But they might make an exception if you’re on crutches. If they can’t/don’t, just make your friends carry your books. What are friends for?

4. Have Your Friends Grab You Lunch

It’s kinda hard to manage a lunch tray on crutches, and cafeterias have been known to have slippery floors. See if one of your friends can grab your lunch for you. If not, try packing your own lunch. It may not be hot, but it’ll probably be healthier and tastier.

5. Be Really Careful on Stairs

One of the most common concerns students on crutches have is how to navigate stairs. Unfortunately, there’s no great solution for this. If you’re lucky enough to have a school with elevators, use them. If not, just take it slow and easy and hold on to the railing if you can. Falling down stairs is generally bad for recovery.

1. Not Properly Adjusting Your Crutches

If you stand normally wearing your regular shoes, your crutches should go from a point on the floor two inches in front of your toes to an inch or two below your armpit. The handgrips should allow a 15 degree bend in your elbow when standing. If you find your underarms are still getting sore, you can also buy a gel crutch pad.

2. Walking Like You’re Not on Crutches

Crutches change the way you move—there’s no way around it. In the past, you might not have thought much of a slippery floor. Or a rug. Or an electric cord running across a room. Now these things can really trip you up. Just adapt and take more precautions.

3. Taking Stairs Too Quickly

Stairs and crutches are natural enemies. You may wish to avoid these altogether, but that’s not always an option. If there’s a handrail, you’ll want to use it. If not, get close to the stairs, put your weight on the crutches and lift your good foot onto the first step. Then put your weight on your good foot, move the crutches up to the same step and repeat the process.

4. Carrying Things

Carrying things while using crutches is a good way to drop them or crash to the floor yourself. We recommend using a backpack or crutch pouch.

5. Not Using the Bathroom Often Enough

Crutches slow you down, which can affect small everyday things you don’t usually think about. While on crutches it’s a good idea to use the bathroom more often than usual so you’re never too late.

Millennial Medical crutches were created and improved through 34 medical studies, product research and consumer feedback. The unique design of the Millennial Crutch fuses ergonomics, spring assistance technology, and convenience to deliver the most comfortable and innovative crutch available.

• Spring-assisted tips that absorb most of the impact shock with the ground and increase your mobility speed.
• Ergonomic hand grip that keeps your hand at an angle and has comfortable grooves for holding.
• Elongated underarm cradle that gives you greater support where the crutch is pressed against the underarms, and displaces weight more efficiently than traditional crutches.

Though the price is higher than the other crutches we offer, we promise that the value added from product performance makes these ‘Pharmacist Recommended’ crutches worth a little extra.

Forearm crutches clasp just below the elbow, hence the nickname ‘elbow crutch.’ They are generally considered better for you, and they are definitely more comfortable than the more common underarm or armpit crutch. Underarm crutches can rub and press in ways that cause discomfort, but forearm crutches are easily adjustable to the wearer. They are smaller and more streamlined than their more common cousins as well, making them easier to haul around with you. EuroStyle forearm crutches are smooth and streamlined, making them very comfortable and easy to use.

So while you may not be familiar with ‘elbow crutches’ right now, you may want to try them out. While they can be a little more expensive, forearm crutches can help with your posture and comfort. New things are always good for keeping you on your toes- or in this case, on your feet. And they might just end up making your life a whole lot easier. After all, we all know underarm crutches are the pits!

1. Add a crutch pad cover. We offer a variety of covers for underarm pads and crutch handgrips. Whether it’s black-as-night gel grips or fluffy fleece, you’re sure to find something to help personalize your crutch.
2. Now that the pads are taken care of, it’s time to look at the rest of your crutch. Use permanent marker to add fun patterns to wooden crutches. Have your friends sign them – or write the lyrics of your favorite song on them.
3. Try out a cute clutch bag. We have a variety of bags and clutches that can attach to your crutches to add a bit of color and oomph. Try these Nova clutches in a wide array of designs.
4. Decals, decals, decals. Do you have a nearby store specializing in toy models or crafts? They should have a wide selection of decals you can also apply to your crutches. Try a racing stripe – or flames!
5. Metal crutches can be wrapped in ribbons, studded in rhinestones, or even covered in wrapping paper. Stickers will make them stand out from the crowd without creating any hazards. Really, once you get started, the possibilities are endless!

First of all, realize that you are by no means doomed to stay in your home. With a rollator/transport chair, you can go out and about, and have a guaranteed place to rest when you get tired. Even better, your friends or family can push you as you rest, so you can keep up with them. Another option is the iWALKFREE hands-free crutch, which allows active people to remain active throughout their recovery. With a little practice, this innovative device could allow you to stay off your injured foot without giving up any of your normal activities.

After a long and active day, you may want to sit down and play some cards. Lucky you, with a wheelchair tray and playing card holder, you have a built-in card table that allows you to play anywhere! Stick a deck of cards in one of your walker pockets, and you will always be ready for a game.

Fishing is always good to pass the time! And with this Fishing Pole Holder, your walker or wheelchair becomes more than just a mobility aid- it’s a valuable tool for a great pastime. Clip the holder on to any walker or wheelchair, sit back, relax, and enjoy the peace.

If your interests turn to the crafty, why not try some walker ball decorating? These gray walker balls are perfect for customization! With some non-water soluble ink, you are well on your way to a great rainy afternoon activity. Draw on your own favorite pattern, or write a message and give it as a gift to a friend! This makes a great activity you can do with children and grandchildren, too.

So you see, being forced to stay off your feet does not mean being bored to death. There are plenty of things you can do! What are your favorite activities that your walking aid has made possible?

Lucky for you, many of those problems have solutions, and they come in the varying forms of crutch accessories. “Accessories for crutches,” you say? Yes! Yes, indeed! They exist, and they may just have the answers you are looking for.

Do rough, barely padded crutches leave bruises on your sides and raw chafing on your fingers? Too often, standard crutches from a hospital or insurance company have thin padding that leads to secondary injuries. In cases like these, auxiliary crutch pad covers can do a world of good. The Feel Good Crutch Accessory Kit is a set of two fleecy crutch pad covers that fit over the underarm pads and the handgrips of all standard crutches, providing an extra layer of softness and protection. Slip these on and find immediate relief.

The most common problem crutches cause, though, is that of pure inconvenience. One crutch per hand means you have no hands left over for anything else, and purses or bags can throw off your balance and strain shoulders already trying to support more weight than they are used to. For cases like these, there are clutch bags that clip onto crutches—crutch clutches, if you will. The Nova Ultimate Crutch Bag clips easily onto the frame of your crutch for ease and convenience—and comes off right away whenever you need it. The wrist strap makes this clutch perfect for carrying cell phones, wallets, keys, and anything else you might need.

And of course, if you are forced to stay off your leg for more than a few weeks, you may want to look into a crutch alternative. Knee walkers are revolutionary devices that allow you to stay active while keeping your hands free. They are a true step up in comfort and convenience.

So worry not—though your crutches might seem like a burden now, help is available. And with savvy crutch accessorization, your days of recovery will pass with no frustrating inconvenience. In fact, by the time you can do away with them, you may find you miss your soft crutch pads, convenient clutch bags, and snazzy knee walkers!